Repository for all long term Technical Articles on the Road Star Clinic.

Also check for new tech tips in our forum. There are many tech tips there that have not yet been converted to articles, most under the "New Tech Tips" forum, which you can find by clicking on "forum" at the top of any page on the Clinic. New tech tips can also be submitted there.

How to Remove and Lower the Rear FenderThe object of this article is to explain how to "lower" the rear fender on a Road Star. What you are actually doing is "lowering" the tail of the fender by "rolling" the entire fender on its pivot point. You do this by modifying...

Harley Fairing on the Road StarHave you ever wished that Yamaha had made the Road Star with an optional Fairing like the one available on a Harley Davidson dresser? Well you can add one yourself and it is not that hard to do. There is probably a dozen different ways to go about mounting...

How to get rid of the rattle in the tankReprinted by Permission from Fatbike
Ixnay the Attleray
If your like most of us you've noticed right away that the gas tank seems to rattle from the rear of the tank.
Although...

Roadstar Tank Removal
Reprinted by Permission from NoPork.com
One rider tells how he removed the tank on his Roadstar.
The tank is pretty easy to remove... The hardest part of removing it...

Replace your Rear Brake PadsReprinted by Permission from Mr Tidy's Tech Tips
with a note on the Front Pads at the bottom of this procedure
As with any maintenance procedure if you don't feel comfortable
...

Front Master Cylinder Ratio Chart
Front Master Cylinder Ratio Chart
Reprinted by Permission from VintageBrake.com
Front Master Cylinder Ratio Chart
While attending Vintage Days West, and thoroughly enjoying it, I
was reminded that many of the people I had occasion to talk...

Choke knob trimThis is something you can try if you are running rich or have poor mileage and you can’t seem to solve the problem no matter what you do. It isn’t meant to take the place of a proper float level, correct jetting, and a well sealed system....

Change the Float Bowl Needle Valve (and lose your fuel pump)NEEDLE VALVE SET REPLACEMENTReason for changing the STOCK needle float valve setI own a 2000 Silverado, and love this bike. Shortly after I had the bike broken in, I decided to see what our rides could do flat out. Well at just under 100MPH,...

Adjustable PMS for the Road StarDisclaimer: I am not responsible for you screwing up your ride, yourself or someone else by you making this modification. This is what I did and it works OK for me. Don’t blame me if you are a D.A (and I don’t mean district attorney) because you trashed...

Bulldogs Carb Jetting Primer - How to Dial it in
David is a Technical Moderator, for Baron's Custom Accessories Technical Forum
I thought I would explain basic carb and jetting functions so everyone could better understand how it all works. These carbs have two primary fuel circuits; the slow/pilot...

Check your float bowl levelReprinted by Permission from Mr Tidy's Tech Tips
Float Adjustment Procedure
Some symptons of a too high level are,
The choke does not work properly.
You'll see liquid spitting in the end of the exhaust after initial start up...

How To Adjust the Accelerator PumpReprinted by permission from Mr Tidy's tech tips
On the 40mm Mikuni Carburetor
One of the problems I've had with the Road Star is a coughing or backfiring out the carburetor through the breather. One of the cures is to decrease amount...

Pilot Jet and PMS explainedSome of you have recently sent me notes asking for clarification between Bulldog's Jetting Primer and Mucker's Principles of Carburetion, with respect to what sounds like different explanations of how the Pilot circuit works in the Road Star's stock Mikuni...

Principles of Modern Motorcycle Carburetor FunctionReprinted by Permission from Mr Tidy's Tech Tips
Specifically in application to the Yamaha XV1600 Road Star
Whatever the motorcycle or automobile, most carbs work on the same principles and internal systems to deliver fuel in the proper mixture...

Setting up and Adjusting your TPSThe TPS adaptor on the carburetor is responsible for reporting the position of your throttle to the ignition (ignitor). The ignition uses this information to adjust the timing curve on the bike to match driving conditions. We have seen some...

The "At witt's End Backfire Cure"Reprinted by permission from Mr Tidy's tech tips
I report this as a last ditch effort for those who may experience extreme situations where their bikes are persistently backfiring through the intake OR exhaust, AND conventional efforts to fix the problem...

The WOT test (wide open throttle)This is a living document and will be ammended from time to time, as needed to make corrections, and as appropriate to accomodate new things as we learn them. We are still learning the benefits and potential misreads that can come from this test,...

Dialing in your PMSThere are several methods of approaching the process of dialing in the PMS on the stock carb. This article outlines one method that can used, and which is designed to balance out the other circuits in the carb for best driveability.
The Pilot...

Installing a Genesis Carburetor
Introduction
Some Road Star owners love the stock, 40mm Mikuni, CV carburetor. Others favor their aftermarket Mikuni HSR 42mm or 45mm, while still others are sold out to the S&S Super-G, using an aftermarket manifold.
However, it is hard to...

Fabricating a TPS Driver
Introduction
All Road Stars built before the fuel injected, 2008 models vary their ignition timing via a small sensor attached to the carburetor. This sensor is called the Throttle Position Sensor -- or TPS. Theoretically, the more you twist your...

Installing a V.O.E.S. for the Mikuni HSR carburetor
Understanding the VOES
When I got rid of my stock carb and installed a Mikuni HSR42 flat-side, I was a happy camper except for one thing. I seemed to have a bit less power in the low and mid rpm ranges.
This, I discovered, was because the Mikuni...

Finding Intake Manifold Air LeaksDavid is a Technical Moderator, for Baron's Custom Accessories Technical Forum
Your engine had been running fine. Recently it has started running poorly or backfiring, maybe when its warm, maybe when its cold or sometimes the problem just seems to come and go...

Install the Nemesis ManifoldWith all the hulla-balloo lately on The Road Star Riders Forum about the issues involved mounting a stock airbox with K&N BAK and Nemesis Racing manifold, I decided to write a document to show ya’ll how easy it is to not only install the manifold...

Road Star Clinic Ported Manifold FAQRoad Star Clinic
Manifold Porting FAQ
Edit Note: The Road Star Clinic has ceased producing ported manifolds. We have elected to leave this FAQ on the clinic due to its informational content.
What is “porting”?
How...

Porting The Stock ManifoldReprinted by Permission from Mr Tidy's Tech Tips
(While Waiting For Greg's Manifold) Its not rocket science ! Its really very simple - if you have the proper tool !!
You need a variable speed Dremel tool with a course sandpaper...

Relocate your fuel pump (under side cover)Reprinted by permission from Mr Tidy's tech tips
I don't remember who came up with this idea, but I think this is a VERY CLEAN relocation scheme for the fuel pump. It may have been Bill H I think. I can't take credit for all of this...

Installing a Vacuum Fuel Pump
A number of riders have made the change from the stock electrical pump to a vacuum pump. The vacuum pump is used in ultralights and snowmobiles, thus it is more than reliable for our bike applications. There are two pumps that have...

Vent the stock Road Star Gas CapVent that Stock Cap!
(but only if you have too – like all you nuts that just
HAVE to put on a 42HSR Mikuni)
Here we’ve got the basic items we need to dis-assemble
the stock cap:
Next we remove these two screws and the lock tab cover:...

Build a Cheap and inexpensive Aux Fuel TankReprinted by Permission from Mr Tidy's Tech Tips
When you have to remove the gas tank to tune your carbs you
sometimes need a source of fuel so you can run the bike for an extended
time. There are tanks available that are made specifically...

Changing the Front Fork OilWhen it came time for me to replace the fork oil in my 06 Roadie I sought guidance from the RSC and there was no compelte guide to replacing the fork oil. There are several ways to accomplish this task, and I will outline the way I did it successfully...

Road King Crash Bars on a Road Star
Reprinted by Permission of RoadStarMagazine.com
After several months of searching for a viable highway/crash bar I was still undecided. The only thing I had seen on a motorcycle that I really liked was...

How to Install a set of Highway Hawk swingarm covers(so they fit properly
and look good)
How many of you have
bought a set of those nice Highway Hawk chrome rear swingarm covers only to find
out they’re kinda cheesy and not **really** made to fit the Road Star? I learned
the hard way but refused...

How to get started: Chop to it!
Chop To It
by Richard Rose Associate Editor Beginner Bikes
Reprinted by Permission from Beginners Bike Magazine
Welcome to Customarily Minded, where the motto here is "Stock bikes may be cool, but it's customs that make me drool...

Quick Clean up for the Front of the NeckI discovered a neat way to clean up the ugly black neck area of the Road Star. I came up with this idea when I installed a new custom headlight on my roadie, With the stock headlight housing removed it really exposed that area , so I came up with this,...

Installing Barons lower chrome guardWithout having to loosen or remove the rear wheel !
Reprinted by Permission from Mr Tidy's Tech Tips
Remove saddlebag if necessary and remove front saddlebag bolts and footpeg. Place a cotton sock over the end of the saddlebag bracket...

Install Neons Under the TankInstalling Neon and LED Lights Under the Tank on Your Roadstar
1.) Start the engine, and turn off the gas to allow some of the gas to drain out of the fuel line, turn off the engine.
2.) Remove the Instrument Panel, first by removing the 3 hex bolts...

Mark Cole's $100 Passing Lamps Mark Garetz at www.vstar1100.com originally put this idea together. Mark Cole (Mark7) adapted it to work on his Road Star, and after a very favorable reception on our forum, agreed to write out this set of instructions for the benefit of other...

AussieGlenn's Headlight Rattle DilemmaReprinted by Permission from Mr Tidy's Tech Tips
Update 4/10/00 On-going fame for my tip, I love being able to give something back to this board!
4000k's since the fix and it is still going strong with no problems...

Installing a Dyna 3000 Ignition
The stock Road Star ignition module does an adequate job of controlling the sparkplug timing and RPM limitations, as long as you're running a reasonably stock engine, stock carburetor--and you don't mind being limited to 4,250 rpm for 1600 series...

Dyna 3000 Switch Settings
Dyna 3000 Switch Settings
Reprinted by permission, from Road Star Magazine
If you have installed a Dyna 3000 on your Road Star there is a little tip about how you can cut a hole in your battery case so you have...

Supplemental Instructions for installing a Rev MasterNOTE from GRAM: Kirk prepared these instructions for someone he sold his Rev Master to. They are not complete instructions, and are meant to supplement the instructions that come with the Rev Master. Due to the high quality of Kirks...

Can you hear me now ?I can't remember how many times I've blown my horn at a cager occupied on a cell phone and could hardly hear the horn myself. The OEM horns are weak at best and forget about it at freeway speeds with aftermarket pipes. So I set out to find...

Horn Modification 2001 V Star (Road Star too)EDITORS NOTE: Barry just started making a very cool gas cap option for the Road Star. If you would like to see it, please visit his website. It can be found on our "Links of Interest" page, or by clicking here. To email Barry,...

Convert to Red Rear sigs using a HD FLT lensReprinted by Permission from Mr Tidy's Tech Tips
The first lens I observed that would fit our turn signal light housings were some at Star Days 99' on Barons table. Prices on these lens were $10.00 a piece.
I had seen a few post that said...

4 way flashers for your Road StarReprinted by Permission from Mr Tidy's Tech Tips
While at Hot Springs I had a few people ask me how I wired up my 4 way flashers. Rather than a long technical explanation I decided to draw the diagram and point out the hook up points. This entire...

Installing 4-Gauge Starter Cables and a Warrior Starter
Introduction
The stock Road Star starter has a tough life even in the best of circumstances. You've probably thought so yourself at times--maybe when the weather turns cold and your battery is not as young as it use to be, or maybe every time you...

Fixing the Starter Spin Problem
Introduction
If your Road Star is a 2003 or earlier model, you are a candidate for the dreaded starter spin problem. Starter spin happens when the generator rotor--which the starter is supposed to engage--comes loose from its shaft, and renders...

Charging '101' for Yamaha Road StarsReprinted by Permission from Mr Tidy's Tech Tips
Charging problems can drive you up the wall. Adding to this is the fact that there seems to be no easy way for us simpleton's to verify that the Regulator/Recitifier is good or faulty....

Installation of Baron's High Output StatorReprinted by Permission from Mr Tidy's Tech Tips
Note: Please read the instructions before attempting this procedure:
The stator installation is straight forward, but there are a couple of things that will make life easier as...

Replacing Your Generator Stator and Your Rectifier/Regulator
Introduction
Regardless of the model year--'99 to present--the Road Star is designed as a no-apologies, big, bad, boulevard cruiser. As such, the electrical charging system is made for the K.I.S.S. principle--Keep It Simple, Stupid. But...

Adjust your Road Star's Valves Using a Dial IndicatorReprinted by permission from Mr Tidy's Tech Tips The process of adjusting our valves is not that hard if you understand what is going on and why we are doing it this way. Yes we have hydraulic valves and it's said "hydraulics'...

Valve AdjustmentReprinted by permission from Mr Tidy's tech tips
Place bike on a lift if available or stand to hold bike straight up if possible.
Remove 3 allen bolts holding instrument cluster, disconnect connectors or fold instrument cluster back over handlebars...

Odo's Addendum to other Valve Adjustment ArticlesValve Adjustment
(Supplement to other adjustment articles)
Ok folks, if I have to explain, how to take your tank and seat off, then, you may want to have someone else do your valve adjustment, LOL ! !
All-right-tee then...

Start Here: Complete Engine Tear Down
Introduction
There can be many reasons for tearing your engine completely apart:
Installing a big-bore kit that requires machining of the crankcase
Repairing the transmission, crank, or other major component
Replacing main-bearings,...

Going Full Bore
This article is one of a series which describes how to disassemble, work on, and reassemble the Road Star engine. This particular article describes big-bore options and a bit of engine performance/upgrade theory. See the Complete Engine Tear Down,...

Parts and Tools
Resourcing Tools and Parts
This article is one of a series that describes how to disassemble, work on, and reassemble the Road Star engine. This particular article identifies skills required, lists parts selection, gaskets (and other consumables)...

Starting the Project
Introduction
This article is one of a series which describes how to disassemble, work on, and reassemble the Road Star engine. This particular article covers preparation of your workspace, parts storage, parts labeling, bolt organization, and...

Disassembling the Top End and Cylinders
Introduction
This article is one of a series that describes how to disassemble, work on, and reassemble the Road Star engine. This particular article describes how to begin tearing the engine down, including removing the engine's rocker, head,...

Disassembling the Engine’s Left Side
Introduction
This article is one of a series that describes how to disassemble, work on, and reassemble the Road Star engine. This particular article describes how to tear down the engine's clutch, shift-shaft, primary drive gear, pickup rotor,...

Disassembling the Transfer Case
Introduction
This article is one of a series that describes how to disassemble, work on, and reassemble the Road Star engine. This particular article shows how to remove and tear down the transfer case assembly. See the Complete...

Disassembling the Cam Area
Introduction
This article is one of a series that describes how to disassemble, work on, and reassemble the Road Star engine. This particular article describes how tear down the cams assembly. See the Complete Engine Tear Down, Orientation article...

Disassembling the Generator Area
Introduction
This article is one of a series that describes how to disassemble, work on, and reassemble the Road Star engine. This particular article tells how to remove the generator assembly. See the Complete Engine Tear Down, Orientation article...

Removing and Disassembling the Crankcase
Introduction
This article is one of a series that describes how to disassemble, work on, and reassemble the Road Star engine. This particular document shows you how to remove the engine from the frame, and how to split the crankcases. It also...

Working on the Disassembled Engine
Introduction
This article is one of a series which describes how to disassemble, work on, and reassemble the Road Star engine. This particular article covers important details in preparing your parts for machining, powdercoating, and painting....

Assembling the Crankcases
Introduction
This article is one of a series that describes how to disassemble, work on, and reassemble the Road Star engine. This particular article shows how to reassemble the engine’s crank, transmission, and oil pump assemblies into the crankcase...

Assembling the Engine’s Left Side
Introduction
This article is one of a series that describes how to disassemble, work on, and reassemble the Road Star engine. This particular document describes how to install the engine's clutch, shift-shaft, primary drive gear, pickup coil,...

Assembling the Generator Area
Introduction
This article is one of a series that describes how to disassemble, work on, and reassemble the Road Star engine. This particular article explains how to install the generator assembly. See the Complete Engine Tear Down, Orientation article...

Assembling the Cam Area
Introduction
This article is one of a series that describes how to disassemble, work on, and reassemble the Road Star engine. This particular document ” tells how to reassemble cams and lifters, including several time saving and verification tips...

Assembling and Installing the Transfer Case
Introduction
This article is one of a series that describes how to disassemble, work on, and reassemble the Road Star engine. This particular document tells how to reassemble and install the transfer case. See the Complete Engine Tear Down, Orientation...

Installing the Pistons and Cylinders
Introduction
This article is one of a series which describes how to disassemble, work on, and reassemble the Road Star engine. This particular article shows how to install pistons, and cylinders. See the Complete Engine Tear Down, Orientation...

Assembling the Top End
Introduction
This article is one of a series which describes how to disassemble, work on, and reassemble the Road Star engine. This particular article shows how to install the heads, reassemble rocker-arms, adjust valve sync, and install and adjust...

Finishing Up
Introduction
This article is one of a series which describes how to disassemble, work on, and reassemble the Road Star engine. This particular highlights how to finish putting the rest of the bike back together. See the Complete Engine Tear Down,...

Installing the Krankvent from ET-Performance[Editor Note from GRAM: ] I have used the Krankvent for a number of years now, and have been very pleased with it. Subsequent to an offer from the manufacturer for a unit to review, I asked Pat to install it on his bike and provide...

Installing a Crankcase BreatherReprinted by Permission from FatBike
This is a fairly simple project that requires very little time and effort. The idea is that when the crankcase breathes under pressure, it can push a little oil into the breather box. I have found...

Dowel Pin Etiquette, Keeping Track of ThemReprinted by Permission from Mr Tidy's Tech Tips
Most of us will at sometime, will either check the adjustable fingers on the rocker arms or do some sort of engine work on the Road Star.
If you notice in the diagram there are 6...

Applying Rocker Arm Bases, A Hint or two from DaveReprinted by permission from Mr Tidy's tech tips
On Changing Cams and lifter advice.
The procedure of changing cams is typically done without changing lifters, unless there was a pre existing problem with the lifters. I have seen this procedure...

Cam Replacement ProcedureReprinted by permission from Mr. Tidy's Tech Tips
Removing Fuel Tank
Place the bike on a stand or lift.
Remove the three allen bolts holding the instrument panel to the tank.
While leaving the two wire harnesses connected, hang the...

How to install Hi-Compression pistons in a RoadstarReprinted by Permission from Mr Tidy's Tech Tips Thanks to Hezbak, Thor, Mucker, and Dan Rand for their help and moral support. Special thanks to Mr. Tidy for maintaining the Tips page and Lone Roadie for the pics. Buy a shop manual and study the...

Drill the Stock Exhaust (stage 1, 2, 3)Reprinted by Permission from FatBike
The Stages of Pipe Drilling Drilling the stock pipes is the most popular modification among ‘Star owners. The stock pipes are very restrictive and quiet, primarily in order to meet the strict guidelines...

Vance & Hines Longshot Baffle Mod for Road Star
I had Longshots and a Kuryakyn Twin velocity air cleaner installed on my brand new '02 Midnight Star at the 600 mile service (July '02). The pipes are a LOT louder than I expected. My riding buddy says they sound really good, but are almost obnoxious...

DG Hard-Krome 3" Straight Baffle ModificationSeveral people have complained that their after market pipes are too loud. This can be very annoying on long trips. Here is a cheap and easy modification for the DG HK baffles.
1. Go to Home Depot and buy 2 Danco Crumb Cups. Located in the sink repair department...

Make your own performance BafflesHere are the info/instructions on how I made my Thundermonsters. I followed the instructions posted by RUBADUB11 on the forum. I’ve also include a pic.
Here are the instructions to make a set of home made Thundermonsters. The dimensions here are...

AIS Removal Instructions (99-03)
Reprinted by Permission from NoPork.com
Preparation for AIS
Place the plugs in the Freezer overnight, this will shrink the material for an easier install.
Optional parts removal. Gas tank, left side cover, also you may want...

California AIS Removal (99-03)Reprinted by Permission from Mr Tidy's Tech Tips
This is intended for Off Road use only. Thanks to Paul Yotsuya (Yotsie) for the initial drawings and instructions for this project
Items below can be removed :
Item # 3...

04 Road Star AIS RemovalSupplemental Instructions for NoPork's and Paul Yotsuya's Articles
EDITOR's NOTE: Rather than write an entirely new article on AIS removal for the 04's, Barron chose to write an article outlining the differences between the 99-03s and the 04s, to be...

Heel Toe Shifter Cover Conversion Using Kuryakyn CoversReprinted by Pernission from Mr Tidy's Tech Tips
If you have thought about using the KuryAkyn shifter pegs and didn't want to cut your old ones off and do the drilling and tapping. Your worries are over, KuryAkyn has come out with a new...

Floorboard Extensions for the Road StarReprinted by Permission from Mr Tidy's Tech Tips
The addition of floorboard extensions has been a pretty common mod that quite a few people have done over the last several years. It's a matter of time, tools, price and preference...

Road Star Floorboards for the Vertically ChallengedEDITORS NOTE: Barry just started making a very cool gas cap option for the Road Star. If you would like to see it, please visit his website. It can be found on our "Links of Interest" page, or by clicking here. To email Barry,...

Changing Position of the Rear Brake PedalEDITORS NOTE: Barry just started making a very cool gas cap option for the Road Star. If you would like to see it, please visit his website. It can be found on our "Links of Interest" page, or by clicking here. To email Barry,...

Fabricate your own highway bars for 25 bucksI like to rest my feet on top of the highway bars; however, if you like to hook your heel on the highway bars be VERY careful as the right hand side puts your heel very close to the brake and you can apply the brake from this position. You may want to...

Pillion Footpeg Flip
Reprinted by Permission of RoadStarMagazine.com
Swapping your pillion's footpegs will give most
passengers a greater degree of comfort. It is an easy mod to do and will
only take about ten to fifteen minutes...

Installing Pro One Risers
Reprinted by Permission of RoadStarMagazine.com
Well, it wasn’t too hard a task, once I found the right tools *sigh*. Unfortunately the Road Star toolkit doesn’t have a big enough spanner to under the riser bolts or a large...

Cheap A$$ Throttle Clutch (cruise control)Reprinted by Permission from Mr Tidy's Tech Tips
Ok! What can you do with a motorcycle and $2.00?
Build a throttle clutch. Yep, for about 2 bucks you can have a throttle clutch on your Roadie.
Here's what you need ...
About a foot of ...

Improving the Look of Your Throttle LockReprinted by Permission of Mr Tidy's Tech Tips
The standard throttle lock many of us use comes with a plastic bracket that holds the throttle lock in place. To make this work with the Roadstar the plastic arm connecting the lock to the bracket runs...

Running wires through the handlebarsHey Folks,
I don't have any pics of me putting the wires in, but, I can explain a few things.
Inside the headlight bucket is 3 wiring connectors. 1 connector for the right handlebar controls,...

Adjusting Your Clutch Cable
Reprinted by Permission of RoadStarMagazine.com
Your clutch should be adjusted so that there is about a nickle's worth of play in the lever, when slight tension takes up the slack in the cable. NOTE: better...

Changing your oil is easyThis bike is known for not using oil and responds well to different flavors of dino or synthetic oils. Your bike will let you know what it likes as you try some different options in oil selection. Lately I've been using Royal Purple 20W50 Synthetic, which...

Simple, Safe way to change the oilReprinted by Permission from FatBike As many of you know, there are several different methods used to change the oil in the Road Star. The method that I prefer was actually introduced by Dave M (Thor). It works well and doesn't involve starting the engine...

Oil Filter Cross Reference
David is a Technical Moderator, for Baron's Custom Accessories Technical Forum
OIL FILTERS
FOR
ROAD STAR, ROYAL STAR, AND ROYAL STAR VENTURE
ALL OF THE FOLLOWING PART #’S WILL FIT YOUR BIKE
BOSCH……………………….3300 K&N…………………………...

Quick Disconnect System for Silverado BagsReprinted by Permission from Mr Tidy's Tech Tips
Whenever I wanted to clean the bike up it was always a pain to have to unbolt the bags off the supports so I could clean in behind them. I thought of these pins and tried them out. Turns out...

CCSaddlebags (generic bags) with Easy Brackets
This was one of the easiest projects I have ever undertaken on my bike. Total time was about 2 1/2 hours. It probably could have been done in 45 minutes to an hour but I was taking pics and making notes. I recently acquired a set of "Hurricane Studded"...

Build a Tank-Mounted Pet-Carrier or Bag
Introduction
After years of resisting my wife's desire to get a dog, I finally gave in and we got one -- a little female... That was three years ago.
Admittedly, I now carry more pictures of my dog than of my children or grandchildren. She has...

Background of Physics and TorqueExplanation of Torque
Reprinted by permission of Craig Fry, from http://home.fuse.net/pagrosse/
Torque
Torque is strength; horsepower is speed. Torque is a measure of how much weight you can move; horsepower is a measure of how fast you can move...

Mathematics of Torque and HorsepowerThe Mathematics to Understanding the Relationship of an Engines Torque and Horsepower
Reprinted by permission of Craig Fry, from http://home.fuse.net/pagrosse/
When reading any sort of article or information concerning an engine, a...

HP-Torque Comparison, LT1 and L98 CorvettesHorsepower/Torque comparison LT1 Corvette and L98 Vettes
Reprinted by permission of Craig Fry, from http://home.fuse.net/pagrosse/
Here is an example of how horsepower makes a major difference in how fast a car can accelerate, in spite of what...

How to Pick Up Your Motorcycle
How to Pick Up Your Motorcycle
Reprinted By Permission from the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center
EDITORS NOTE: The Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center maintains a fabulous website with a variety of articles oriented toward rider safety...

Make your own: Sheepskin Seat CoverA Sure (Almost) Cure For Monkey Butt !
Reprinted by Permission from Mr Tidy's Tech Tips
A lot of riders complain of an uncomfortable seat on our Road Stars. Not me. I think the stock seat is great – for about 400 miles a day . One...

Make Your Own Drivers Backrest Reprinted By Permission of RoadStarMagazine.com On one of my many bike tours to various parts of the country I rented a HD dresser that came equipped with a factory drivers backrest pad that made the trip and long days in the saddle much more enjoyable,...

Guide to Reading Spark Plug PerformanceDavid is a Technical Moderator, for Baron's Custom Accessories Technical Forum The ability to read spark plugs can tell a mechanic a lot about the state of tune of an engine and about some of the problems an engine may be experiencing. In the absence...

Installing Nemesis or Dynatech Coils and Plug-Wires
Introduction
The stock coils are prone to leaking so much spark that some riders have observed large arcing from their coils to the frame or tank on a dark night. Yikes! As a result, many owners have wrapped their coils with electrician's tape--an...

Lowering the Roadstar with Adjustable DogbonesSo you want to lower your bike? Lowering with longer dogbones is a very popular way of doing this. It keeps the factory suspension geometry the same as stock, and allows the owner to lower the bike to where they want it to sit. These instructions are...

The Flip: Lower your Roadstar the Fatbike way...
These are photos of a bike before it was lowered... Click on a photo to enlarge. (Bike courtesy of Father Dave.)
OK, so it's not really MY way, but it is definitely the way that I prefer. The method below is virtually free,...

Rear Spring or Dogbone Removal and ReplacementSo you put on a few pounds and figure it’s time for that rear spring upgrade? Installing the upgraded rear spring will stiffen up the bike so it does not bottom out as easily. This job is simpler than you think. Lets review the tools we need: Motorcycle...

Flip (lower) without removing the fender/splash guard/wheelI’ve seen several instructional articles about lowering your Road Star. The ones I’ve read all require you to remove the rear fender, wheel, and splash panel. I don’t remove anything but the shock assembly when I do a lowering job. The...

Upgrading the Front SuspensionFront Suspension Maintenance and Upgrades I made some changes to my bike this winter and decided to upgrade the front suspension. There are several things you can do such as change the type of fluid, weight of fluid, upgrade the springs, or add a set...

FatBike... Fat Tire!Reprinted By Permission from FatBike
Since posting the new photo's of my bike with the new, lower and fatter rear end, I have been getting lots of letters from people, asking me to outline how the project went. Due to popular demand, here are the details...

Another Way to Grind Your Subfender for a Fat Rear TireNOTE FROM BILL: This particular procedure was performed on a motorcycle that is designated for solo riding only. It is not intended to carry a passenger on the modified area. Many people have asked if they need to grind the fender brace...

Inexpensive Bike StandReprinted by Permission from FatBike
These plans differ from the plans found on the Harley site to accommodate our larger bike. My stand is incredibly sturdy and the bike does not move at all. The plans are as follows: Purchase 3...

Motorcycle Wheel Balancing Stands (how to make)Reprinted by Permission from Mr Tidy's Tech Tips
They are separate as to be able to adjust for different width wheels. The distance from the bottom of the axle to the top of the 2 X 4" bottom support, is 16 1/2". The rear wheel of the Road Star...

The $6 Wheel Alignment JigReprinted by Permission from Mr Tidy's Tech Tips
With 20,000 miles on BlackMagic I'll bet I have screwed around with the rear wheel alignment 40 times in 2 years. I just could not get it right since having new tires installed and losing the...

How to install the Barnett Clutch with new Oil Pump Gear I‘m from Germany so please excuse my English and the spelling. The following procedure is a combination of the Information I gathered from the RoadStar Forum and from the way I did it. I recommend to study the applicable sections in the maintenance...

The Weakest Link Between your Throttle and the PavementReprinted by Permission from Mr Tidy's Tech Tips
A number of riders have asked me why their troublesome clutch slips in the higher gears, but not usually (or as badly) in lower gears. It seems obvious to them that, since acceleration is strongest...

Rear Wheel Alignment Jigs and Gadgets
Introduction
After seeing that my Road Star was going to require periodic wheel alignment, I decided to make it simpler and quicker for me to get more accurate and consistent results. First I checked on some of the online Road Star forums. I found...

Rear Wheel Alignment
Introduction
Tire changes, belt changes, and swing arm maintenance are just a few of the reasons belt adjustment and rear wheel-alignment are part of Road Star ownership. By learning to do it yourself, you can save some cash, and make sure the...

Wheel Removal and Installation
Introduction
There are many reasons to remove one or both of the wheels on your Road Star: mounting new tires, changing the drive belt, or tending to your wheel bearings -- to name a few. Even if you have a professional mechanic doing wheel/tire...

Bucks Sideshields, "A nice add-on"Reprinted by Permission from Mr Tidy's Tech Tips
I think we all enjoy riding in comfort. Check out the number of accessories that are available which increase rider comfort. Windshields, lowers (especially Bucks!), handgrips,...

Trim your Windshield: A Cut AboveReprinted by Permission from Mr Tidy's Tech Tips
So you ordered the wrong height windshield, and now you have to sit on a pillow to see over the top? Well good friend, let's try to fix that.
Following is a method we all can...

Failed Parts to Watch for
Frame shock mount : This has happened several
times so it is an area you want to pay attention to for periodic
inspections. Inspect from underneath bike between rear wheel and engine.
...

Computer TipsAlthough not about Road Star's, this section of our website provides valuable tips on use of our computers. Not a lot here yet, but we suspect more may become available as time goes by....

Do You Practice Safe Computing?
Keep your computer running smoothKeeping your computer running smooth and free of viruses and other nasties to me is as important as keeping your Road Star running smooth and free of problems. The purpose of this article is to give you the tools and...